Name: Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 pound ground chicken; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 shallot, finely chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1/4 cup hoisin sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon Sriracha (optional for heat); 1/4 cup chopped Thai basil (or regular basil); Butter lettuce leaves, for serving; Chopped green onions and shredded carrots, for garnish (optional)

Why You’ll Love Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

These chicken lettuce wraps are quick, easy, and full of bold flavor from garlic, ginger and sweet‑spicy sauce. They’re naturally gluten‑free and low‑carb when served in lettuce leaves, making them a great choice if you want a healthy dinner that’s still satisfying. Plus, the filling can be prepared ahead and stored, meaning you’ll spend minimal time cooking on busy nights.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground chicken
sesame oil (or avocado / olive oil)
garlic, chopped/minced
ginger
Thai sweet chili sauce
tamari or soy sauce
water
fresh basil (Thai basil preferred, but regular basil works too)
Bibb (butter) lettuce leaves for serving
lime wedges for serving
optional garnishes: thinly sliced jalapeño or Thai chili peppers; extra basil; fresh cilantro; green onions; sesame seeds; crunchy peanuts or cashews; sriracha sauce

Directions

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute. Add the ground chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook — breaking it up with a wooden spoon — until cooked through (about 7 minutes).
Add the grated ginger, sweet chili sauce, tamari (or soy sauce), and water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a light simmer. Let cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
While the chicken cooks, thinly slice the basil (reserving a bit for garnish). When the sauce is ready, stir in the basil so it mixes evenly.
To serve: spoon the chicken mixture into washed, dry lettuce cups. Add on any desired garnishes and a squeeze of lime.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: about 10 minutes
Cook Time: about 20 minutes
Total Time: about 30 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store the chicken filling (separate from lettuce leaves) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. When ready to eat, reheat the filling in a covered saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave for 30–60 seconds. Only assemble into lettuce cups when you’re ready to serve, to keep the leaves crisp.

Variations

Use ground turkey, pork, or beef instead of chicken.
For extra veggies, stir in diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or water chestnuts before serving.
Want more heat? Add sliced chili peppers or a dash of sriracha.
For a lower‑carb/keto version, substitute coconut aminos for tamari or soy sauce and use a sugar‑free chili sauce or omit the sweet chili sauce altogether.
Serve over rice or cauliflower rice instead of in lettuce cups, for a more substantial meal.

FAQs

What can I use instead of Thai sweet chili sauce?

You can substitute an equal mixture of a hot sauce (like Sriracha) and a sweetener such as honey. Alternatively, try plum sauce or maple syrup with hot sauce for a similar sweet‑spicy kick.

Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?

Yes — simply cut chicken breast into bite‑sized pieces and cook them in the skillet until fully cooked, then proceed with the sauce and basil as directed.

Can I make this recipe gluten‑free?

Yes — using tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce makes the recipe gluten‑free (and dairy‑free).

Can I prep this ahead of time for meal prep?

Absolutely. Cook the filling in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, just reheat and assemble into lettuce cups.

How can I make this more filling for a main meal?

You can double the recipe so you have more filling per person. Alternatively, serve the chicken mixture over rice or cauliflower rice instead of (or in addition to) lettuce cups.

What if I don’t have Thai basil?

Regular basil (sweet basil) is a fine substitute. The flavor will be slightly different but still tasty.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes — ingredients like diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, mushrooms, or even water chestnuts add texture, color, and flavor. Add them during cooking before stirring in basil.

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Yes — any large leafy lettuce works. Butter lettuce (Bibb), romaine, or iceberg leaves make good “cups” for filling.

Is this suitable for a low‑carb or keto diet?

Yes — by using coconut aminos and a sugar‑free or omitted sweet chili sauce, the dish becomes low‑carb and keto‑friendly.

How do I keep the lettuce leaves from getting soggy?

Don’t assemble the wraps until right before serving. Store the chicken filling separately from the lettuce, and make sure the leaves are washed and thoroughly dried before using.

Conclusion

These Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a quick, healthy, and flavorful option whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week. With minimal prep time, simple ingredients, and flexible variations — from different proteins to extra veggies or keto tweaks — they easily become a go‑to dinner for busy nights. Give them a try: crisp lettuce, aromatic basil, spicy‑sweet sauce, and lean chicken combine into a meal that’s light yet deeply satisfying.

Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps